Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger
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From the legendary vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, lessons in investment strategy, philanthropy, and living a rational and ethical life.
“A timeless classic that will change how you approach life. There is a billion-dollar education inside this book.”—Shane Parrish, founder of Syrus Partners and Farnam Street
“Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up,” Charles T. Munger advises in Poor Charlie’s Almanack.
Originally published in 2005, this compendium of eleven talks delivered by the legendary Berkshire Hathaway vice-chairman between 1986 and 2007 has become a touchstone for a generation of investors and entrepreneurs seeking to absorb the enduring wit and wisdom of one of the great minds of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Poor Charlie’s Almanack draws on Munger’s encyclopedic knowledge of business, finance, history, philosophy, physics, and ethics—and more besides—to introduce the latticework of mental models that underpin his rational and rigorous approach to life, learning, and decision-making. Delivered with Munger’s characteristic sharp wit and rhetorical flair, it is an essential volume for any reader seeking to go to bed a little wiser than when they woke up.
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Publisher : Stripe Press
Publication date : December 5, 2023
Language : English
Print length : 384 pages
ISBN-10 : 1953953239
ISBN-13 : 978-1953953230
Item Weight : 1.95 pounds
Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #3,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #3 in Biographies of Business & Industrial Professionals #9 in Wealth Management (Books) #38 in Investing (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,567) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Sara –
So much wisdom—wish I had read it sooner
This book is packed with insight. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but Poor Charlie’s Almanack turned out to be one of the most valuable reads I’ve picked up in a long time. Charlie Munger’s way of thinking is so refreshingly straightforward and smart. It really made me rethink how I approach decisions in everyday life.It’s full of great life lessons, funny stories, and real talk about business, investing, and just being a better thinker overall. It’s not a “quick” read, but it’s totally worth it. I found myself underlining a ton and going back to reread parts.If you’re curious, open-minded, and want to get better at thinking clearly (without the fluff), this one’s for you. Highly recommend!
Heather S –
Not just a book—it’s a mental workout
This isn’t light reading—it’s dense, smart, and absolutely packed with life and business wisdom. A mix of essays, speeches, and commentary that makes you want to slow down and take notes. If you’re into investing, rational thinking, or just leveling up your brain, this is a classic. A bookshelf essential.
David T. –
A little redundant, but worth reading
Although there are worthwhile take aways from this book, I feel that each talk is a somewhat redundant attack on academia written out in often rambling fashion. I haven’t decided yet if it’s a difficult read or just uninteresting. I’d hate to be critical of someone I admire as much as I do Charlie Munger, but I’m not sure turning these specific speeches was the best showcase of his wisdoms. Still, 4 stars because there are some meaningful take aways for people that are interested in teaching themselves about the world.
Bob in Central Oregon –
An Interesting Story, With Lots Of Wisdom Included
Exposure to the casual wit and extensive wisdom of Charlie Munger primed me to grab the book and try to absorb a bit more. The wit doesn’t translate as well to paper as a long life’s worth of wisdom does.The book is structured with an opening section that shares a lot of the life background that prepared Charlie Munger for his future. Starting in post-depression Nebraska working in the Buffet store, then on to law school and much more, the story builds through the early association with Warren Buffet, and the broad learning paths through independent learning and a voracious appetite for knowledge. That appetite for knowledge is an enduring theme throughout the book and his life. Hw worked hard to impart that same love of broad learning and wisdom to family, friends, business associates and students along the way. The lessons and the delivery are both top tier.The rest of the book is a series of descriptions of lectures Charlie gave later in life primarily at various learning institutions. Primarily law and business schools it seems, but a couple others thrown in too. The common theme is to always be open to learnings from outside your focus discipline, and integrate all those outside learnings to build a broad base to continuously build on.I’m 20+ years Charlie’s junior, and can see where the guidance he shares would have made my early career a bit smoother. That said, I think it would be great for people to read and learn from Charlie starting early, then re-read at life intervals that allow one’s own life experiences and situations to benefit from regular course-corrections based on the ideas shared in the book. I know too many youngsters who have attention focus based on continuous screen movement and action; few may initially appreciate the pleasure of reading a good book like this. But a read in mid-teens, and again as major decision points arise, would help most people tremendously.Some of us have had the great fortune to have mentors along the way. Even if you already have that, adding another lesson or twelve from Charlie can only benefit.Yes, I highly recommend this book. It should almost be essential reading from those stepping up to and stepping through their lives and careers. It’s that good.
Kent R. Spillner –
Great Advice!
This book is chock full of great advice from Charlie! I love the way he thinks, and in these speeches he explains his own thought processes in his own words. His speeches are also very entertaining, fully of witty sayings and amusing anecdotes.